Object Oriented Theory
Motivation in an Employee is the internal factor, which drives him/her for accomplishing the activities which are related to work in the organization. It drives the employee in taking action and making a decision, as to what to do and what not to do?
Everyone needs motivation to achieve something or to put his/her best effort to realize a goal. But, a real winner needs a positive attitude over and above motivation and penchant for winning. A positive attitude enables a person to move towards realizing the desired goal.
Different people with differing mindsets behave differently in different situations, be it in organization or in the society. Many people are quite objective in their approach to any work. They work better, when they have some concrete facts in front of them i.e., what to do and what not to do. Upon this basis the object-oriented theory of motivation thrives.
The Object-Oriented Theory of Motivation describes about the three theories of motivation, which are as follows −
- The Carrot
- The Whip
- The Plant
The aforesaid three methods of motivation are applicable to different people in an organization with different mindsets and expectations.
An employee is motivated when he/she finds his/her needs met and interests fulfilled. If his immediate needs are not met, he is not at all motivated and the motivation is found ineffective. Hence, choosing an appropriate method of motivating a particular employee or group of employees is an onerous task itself.
The Carrot
In the middle of 20th century, the carrot method of motivation was the idea of a cart driver, where he/she would tie a carrot to along stick and dangle it in front of the donkey or horse which pulls his/her cart. As the horse/donkey moves forward towards the carrot, the cart gets pulled and moves forward. This continues, till the cart driver reaches his destination.
Here, the Carrot was given as a reward for encouraging the Horse/Donkey to pull the cart in reaching his/her destination. Carrot is modern day organization may be certain financial or non-financial rewards that spurs employee/s to work with an increasing pace to give better performance. T Provisions for paid leaves, safe and flexible work environment energizes the employees to give their best to the organization.
The Carrot theory talks about motivating employees through the Incentives and Rewards to a better or a best performer in his/her job. This can also be in the form of Bonuses, Promotions and Time-off, which make the employee motivated and happy.
The Carrot approach to motivating employees is a traditional motivation theory which asserts that while motivating people to elicit expected behavior, at times the rewards are given in the form of money, promotion etc. and sometimes punishment or threats are exerted on employees to compel them towards the desired behavior. The Carrot and Stick approach is based upon the principles of reinforcement and was evolved mostly during the industrial revolution in the West.
The Whip
The word ‘Whip’ describes and represents Threats and bitter Consequences to employees in the organization in case the employees fail to act Upto a certain mark. The Whip approach to motivation is in contrast to the Carrot approach. The Whip or stick approach of motivation vouches for threat or punishment to get employees or workers motivated and is the one which needs to be handled with utmost care as it has quite a detrimental effect on the workforce. It as it is perceived negatively by the employees.
Here, the Whip is a kind of threat and punishment given to the employees working in the organization, who intentionally avoids going by company policies, rules, terms and conditions and performs very poorly which affects the overall productivity of the company or the organization.
In the big scenario or big clubs, sometimes, the Threats and Consequences may include termination and suspension. Whereas in small situations or scenarios, a small stick is more than enough, which includes no reward/award, no recognition and no appreciation etc. As this technique is a motivation factor for a short time duration, it is mandatory to know, where to use and when to use and most importantly upon whom the technique can be used.
The Plant
As the two methods of motivation i.e., the Carrot and the Whip, have achieved some results, when it comes to providing motivation to employee in the organization. But it would not meet the complete aspects of motivation. Hence, the Plant method has come
into picture, which is based upon a simple premise.
As a plant needs a combination of nourishing elements for its healthy growth and productivity, so an employee needs a right combination of factors to be motivated. Judgment needs to be used to ensure that each team member gets the right amount of each of the motivational factors. It requires the right amount of balance between using the whip or the carrot.
The plant, name itself represent a positive environment for motivation. In the plant method of motivation, it is the responsibility of the supervisor/superior that he/she should maintain a good rapport and a healthy relationship with subordinates and peers.
The role of the supervisor/superior for motivating the employees is as follows −
- Dealing with all the employee fairly and equally
- Providing training to the employees, who are in need
- Providing a proper and a transparent communication
- Creating a support to the employee, whenever they need
- Maintaining a good relationship for a better place to work
